U.S. Border Patrol Agent Accused Of Raping Woman Two Years Ago

A U.S. Border Patrol agent was arrested today on sexual battery and kidnapping charges stemming from an alleged attack on a female Mexican national more than two years ago, according to the Banning Police Department.

Arturo Ascencio, who is assigned to the Border Patrol's Indio station, has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the resolution of the criminal case, per agency protocol, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Adrian Corona told City News Service.

Ascencio, 39, was arrested this morning at his home in the 1200 block of Berylstone Drive in Hemet in connection with the alleged sexual battery, which occurred in Banning in August 2008, according to police.

Ascencio was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, with arraignment scheduled for Monday at the Riverside Hall of Justice, according to court records.

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